MAY 2026

Hello, and welcome to our newsletter for May 2026.

Fuel shortages and supplies that depend on oil continue to pose a threat to water utility businesses. Please contact us to discuss how we can help. LGNSW has been seeking data from all councils via a survey regarding current distribution challenges, which is particularly relevant for rural, regional and remote councils. For further information or if you require assistance, email LGNSW.

Since my last update:

The Directorate responded to submission requests on National Water Reform 2026, the MDBA's Murray Darling Basin Plan Review, and NSW parliamentary inquiry into Data Centres.
We attended AWA's National Water Policy Summit in Canberra - Governing water as if its many values matter. It was a great opportunity to discuss regional water matters with some of the best minds in Australia.
We met with our Minister for Water, the Hon Rose Jackson MLC, courtesy of AWA at the Minister's Roundtable, where we discussed support for regional water utilities in water security, digital technologies, and addressing skills shortages. We also spoke about the benefits of regional collaboration.
This week, we will be heading to Sydney again for the Local Government NSW Rural and Regional Summit, where Minister Jackson and Shadow Minister Steph Cooke MP will participate in a panel on water security with LGNSW Board Director and Mayor of MidCoast Council, Cr Claire Pontin.
At the end of this month, we head for the big one: Ozwater '26 in Brisbane.

We continue to work hard to advocate strongly through these state and national forums for an equitable funding model and improved water security on behalf of communities in regional NSW.

Critical submissions around reform and planning

The Directorate lodged a submission to the National Water Reform (NWR) process on Friday 24 April. This submission represents the collective priorities, risks and on‑the‑ground realities faced by regional LWUs and communities served, with a focus on drought preparedness, secure and resilient water services, and affordability. Key reform priorities include minimum service standards, sustainable funding through Community Service Obligations (CSOs), better coordination between governments and regulators and enabling local capability and local decision making.

You can view this and other submissions lodged over the years by the Directorate. Just click the button below and search or filter by category.

View Submissions

Pilot program: career pathways for Aboriginal participants

A new two-week course hosted at Shoalhaven Water recently concluded, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to build essential skills and open up career opportunities in the water operations sector. See Media release.

Addressing skill gaps in regional water management is vital for sustainability. We’re pleased to share a new NSW Water Career Pathway resource to help LWUs attract and develop local talent, outlining entry points and career pathways from traineeships to specialist roles to support a resilient regional water workforce.

Download Flyer

🚀New Website

Have you visited our new website and registered if you work at one of our member organisations? We've moved from organisation-based access to individual logins. Complete the Member Registration & Access Request Form using your work contact details, then check your email to complete the registration process. Once registered, you can access exclusive member content!

⏰Extension: 2026 Workforce Composition Survey

NSW local water utilities now have until 15 May to complete the survey from the Water Group of the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. It is critically important to ensure this survey is completed so that we can obtain the support we need for regional water utility workforce development.

Info & Register

📊 2026 Census

qldwater is leading the charge ahead of the 2026 Census with their Say What You Are” campaign to make sure water sector roles are clearly described for accurate representation in national data. The NSW Water Directorate strongly supports qldwater's campaign.

WaterNSW: revised raw water policy & Phase 3 of TWRRP

Feedback from LWUs and other agencies has been considered and incorporated into a new and final draft of the raw water policy. Feedback on the revised policy is now being sought before 5pm Friday 15 May via email.

WaterNSW is also about to commence Phase 3 of the Town Water Risk Reduction Program (TWRRP).

Read Policy

EOI to host 2028 LGNSW Water Management Conference

Councils across NSW are invited to prepare an Expression of Interest (EOI) to host the LGNSW Water Management Conference in September 2028. Visit LGNSW for more information, including criteria for councils to host.